Virologist Drosten names the time for the fourth corona vaccination – different sounds come from Munich
Created: 01/17/2022Updated: 01/17/2022 05:09
By: Yasina Hipp
Virologist Christian Drosten comments on the fourth vaccination.
© picture alliance/dpa/Kay Nietfeld
The corona situation remains tense, above all because of the Omicron virus variant.
Could a fourth vaccination be pending soon?
Berlin – RKI boss Lothar Wieler sees no reason to give the all-clear given the spread of the Omicron virus variant, even if the course of the disease is said to be milder.
"Omicron will displace Delta in the coming days and weeks," said Wieler on Friday at the federal press conference.
With regard to the new variant, the question of a fourth vaccination, specially adapted to Omikron, is becoming more and more common.
In a press conference, the Berlin virologist Christian Drosten comments on this and commits himself.
Omikron: Drosten for vaccinations from the second quarter
Christian Drosten explains that the benefits of the mild courses at Omikron are currently being wiped out by the high number of infections. That's why he emphasizes at the same time that vaccination can slow down any virus, including Omicron. The virologist predicts that an endemic state will be reached in the coming winter. Shortly before then, similar to the influenza virus, older and vulnerable people would have to be boosted again.
In order to achieve this state, the vaccination must be readjusted.
"There will have to be an adapted vaccination," said Drosten.
The Berlin virologist says that "possibly from the second quarter, large parts of the population, maybe even all of them, will have to be given an update vaccination against Omicron".
This would ensure broader vaccination protection against both types of coronavirus, i.e. against omicron and against all other types.
Christian Drosten emphasizes: "We need these two immunities."
Fourth vaccination: Munich infectiologist calls for faster preparation
The Munich infectiologist Clemens Wendtner is certain that one should not wait until the second quarter, i.e. April. The scientist considers a fourth vaccination four to six months after the third vaccination to be an "adequate measure". Compared to the
dpa
he demands: “You have to prepare a four-vaccination campaign now, also from the availability of the currently approved vaccines. We shouldn't just think about it when it's March or April." A fourth vaccination is becoming increasingly relevant, especially for people who received their booster vaccination in late summer 2021. However, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (Stiko) has not yet recommended a fourth vaccination.
However, the first study results from Israel put a damper on expectations of a fourth vaccination.
The leader, Professor Gili Regev, told the Israeli news
site ynet
that the rise in antibodies was "good" but not "sufficient".
The scientist even admits that she had hoped for more from the fourth spade.
Fourth vaccination: Initially only useful for older people and risk groups
Sebastian Ulbert, vaccine researcher from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology in Leipzig, calls for a distinction.
Ulbert initially only considers a fourth dose to be useful for older people and risk groups.
For everyone else, he currently sees no acute need for a fourth vaccination.
